James Donald Helms

James Donald Helms, 85, of Monroe, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017. He was born August 11, 1931, in Union County, NC, to the late Lawrence Lee and Willie Mae Craig Helms. Mr. Helms graduated from the REAL Wesley Chapel High School in 1949 and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Japan during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He retired in 1987 from Celanese Corporation where he worked in Research and Development. Mr. Helms enjoyed anything outdoors, especially his garden, visiting the beach, and fishing. He also enjoyed cooking, from cooking out on the grill to having oyster roasts and fish fries for his family and friends in the community. Mr. Helms loved his family and the special times spent with his two grandsons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Richard and Katheryn Parker. Mr. Helms is survived by his wife, Wilba Alexander Helms, two daughters, Melody Helms Plyler and husband, Danny, of Wesley Chapel and Jill Helms Ammons and husband, Darryl, of Wesley Chapel, brother, Johnny Helms of Spencer Mountain, NC, three sisters, Margie Hayes of Monroe, Delane Price of Charlotte, and Joyce Moore of Wilmington, and two grandchildren, Patrick Harrell and Wyatt Plyler. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, in Siler Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Siler Presbyterian Church-REACH Work Camps (for youth missions), 6301 Weddington Monroe Road, Matthews, NC 28104. Gordon Funeral Service Crematory is caring for the Helms family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.